Conversation With Author Of “Impossible,”Bongani Bakae From Botswana
The Mt Kenya Times 
Bongani Bakae
By: Dr Paula.O.M.Otukile
Gaborone, Botswana
Who are you?
- Roots: A young man with humble beginnings, spending most of his time living in his head in pursuit of a better understanding of the universe. Most of my childhood was spent with my maternal grandmother’s village called Moshopha! (Ko tswapong).
Education: I hold an Msc in pharmacy from the People’s friendship of Russia. I also have a degree in medical language translation. Russian-English.
Am Bongani Bakae from Botswana grew up in amo shop ha but now lives in Gaborone city, Botswana?
- How was the experience of writing a book?
It just fell like manna from heaven. I just woke up one day and decided to pen a manuscript. Well, maybe I am wrong. Prior to that, I had always been a creative. I used to sit on my own and create stories and songs in my head. Whether it was on my way to the kraal or at the farm when granny was taking a nap. It was only the two of us, so whenever she was napping, I would live in my head. At the ages of 7-9 I was a poet. Whenever the president or anyone important visited the village, we would sit together and pen a poem I would later on recite in the midst of those attending that particular Kgotla meeting.
- Do Batswana read, how are Africans reacting to your craft?
They do. But not as much as they should. Botswana isn’t much of a reading nation, so, the opportunities are really limited.
- How are the sales?
I would say only a tiny minority thumb through the world’s trending reads. It’s easier for the likes of Coelho and Kiyosaki to sell compares to the locals. Understandably so. I guess we just need to do whatever it takes to get our work out there.
- What do you think can be done to improve sales?
Networking with authors and the stakeholders in the writing industry can yield results. That’s one thing we lack. Well, speaking for myself, it’s one of those options I wish I had exploited, especially now since social media is so mainstream.
- Do you have fans?
Yes. I do. Every now and then I get the “oh you are the author of Impossible, that book changed my life man”.. I might not have sold a million copies yet, but I wear a smile every time someone speaks highly of my work.
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Bongani Bakae Book Tales of an inmate Do you encourage younger generation to write?
Yes. They should write. Well, the terrain isn’t as smooth as they might have imagined it, but there is definitely a market out there.
8.) Do you have any endorsements?
None.
- How has networking helped your craft?
Networking is the heart of every industry. In my case, I had built ties with a South African author and businessman. My first book did numbers due to his help. Having also guided me throughout the whole writing process.
- Ebooks vs hard copies, do you think technology will kill hard copies?
Well, as a reader, I don’t think anything can kill hard copies. Just like any culture, the reading culture is also dynamic. In my opinion, e books are just part of the inevitable transition.
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About the Author
